About this opportunity
Verterra Energy lists this Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems opportunity in new brighton, Minnesota. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
What We Do at Verterra Energy
At Verterra Energy, we’re on a mission to harness the power in the world’s rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water‑power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero‑emission electricity.
Backed by top‑tier investors and a multi‑year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers.
Recent press releases can be found on our website:
Role Overview
You will lead computational fluid dynamics modeling efforts for Verterra’s turbine systems and related platforms.
You will define modeling strategy, boundary conditions, mesh approach, turbulence models, and validation methods. You will work directly with mechanical and test engineers to ensure CFD results inform blade geometry, structural loads, fatigue expectations, and overall system efficiency.
We are open to full‑time, part‑time, or 1099 arrangements for the right subject matter expert.
Core Responsibilities
Hydrodynamic Modeling
Develop and execute 3D CFD models of rotating turbine systems in open‑water environments
Model turbulent, unsteady, and cyclic flow conditions
Support blade and housing geometry optimization
Evaluate flow separation, wake behavior, cavitation risk, and efficiency tradeoffs
Modeling Strategy & Validation
Define appropriate turbulence models and simulation fidelity
Develop mesh strategies for rotating machinery and complex geometries
Establish convergence and validation criteria
Correlate CFD outputs with experimental data from flume and field testing
Identify when simulation assumptions break down
Load & System Integration
Extract pressure and force distributions for structural loading analysis
Support fatigue and cyclic loading estimation
Work cross‑functionally with structural and mechanical engineers
Translate fluid results into manufacturable design recommendations
Environmental & Operational Conditions
Model debris interaction scenarios and flow disturbance cases
Evaluate performance in variable flow velocities
Understand long‑term exposure considerations in real water systems
Documentation & Decision Support
Present results in clear, engineering‑driven formats
Identify design tradeoffs and uncertainty bands
Support design reviews with defensible analysis
Document modeling assumptions and limitations
Minimum Qualifications
8+ years of professional CFD experience (12+ for Principal level)
Demonstrated experience modeling external fluid flow systems
Experience with rotating machinery or turbine systems
Deep understanding of turbulence modeling and numerical stability
Experience correlating CFD results to physical testing
Ability to independently define modeling strategy
Preferred Qualifications
Marine, riverine, or open‑water flow modeling experience
Experience with cavitation prediction
Experience modeling debris interaction or multiphase flow
Experience supporting hardware programs from early prototype through validation
Experience working in small, engineering‑driven teams
What Success Looks Like
CFD informs geometry decisions early and reduces physical iteration cycles
Simulation results correlate closely with flume or field testing
Load predictions meaningfully support structural design
Design decisions are made based on physics, not aesthetics
Modeling assumptions are documented and defensible
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Company‑paid life, disability, and basic protection
401(k) with employer match
Unlimited paid time off + 2 weeks sick and safe leave
7 company‑paid holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
Stocked kitchen
Equal opportunity
Verterra Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.